You shouldn’t have to sacrifice comfort or spend a lot to keep your house at a pleasant temperature during warm days.

But what is the best setting, exactly? We review recommendations from energy professionals so you can find the best temp for your family.

Here’s what we suggest for the most energy-efficient setting for air conditioning in Brookfield.

Recommended Thermostat Settings for Summer

Most people find placing the thermostat at 72-73 degrees provides ideal comfort. However, if there’s a huge difference between your interior and exterior temps, your electricity bills will be larger.

These are our recommendations based on the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and ENERGY STAR®.

While at home: 78 degrees. While that appears hot, there are approaches you can keep your home pleasant without having the air conditioning on constantly.

Keeping windows and curtains shut during the day keeps cold air where it should be—within your home. Some window solutions, including honeycomb shades or plantation shutters, are created to deliver extra insulation and improved energy conservation.

If you have ceiling fans in your house, the DOE says you can move thermostat settings about 4 degrees warmer without compromising comfort. That’s because they freshen with a windchill effect. Because they cool people, not spaces, turn them off when you exit a room.

If 78 degrees still appears too hot on the surface, try conducting a test for a week or so. Begin by increasing your temperature to 78 degrees while you’re at your residence. Then, gradually decrease it while using the tips above. You may be amazed at how comfortable you feel at a hotter temperature setting.

While away: 88 degrees. There’s no rationale for keeping the AC going all day while your residence is vacant. Turning the temp 7–10 degrees hotter can save you as much as 5–15% on your air conditioning bills, according to the DOE.

When you arrive home, don’t be tempted to switch your thermostat colder than 78 to cool your house faster. This isn’t productive and often produces a more expensive AC bill.

A programmable thermostat is a good approach to keep your settings controlled, but it requires setting programs. If you don’t utilize programs, you run the risk of forgetting to raise the set temperature when you leave.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free remedy, think about installing a smart thermostat. This thermostat links with your phone, so it is aware when you’re at your residence and when you’re gone. Then it instinctively adjusts temperature settings for the biggest savings. How much exactly? About $180 yearly on heating and cooling, according to ENERGY STAR.

Another perk of using a smart thermostat? You can use your phone to keep an eye on and adjust temperature settings from almost anywhere.

While sleeping: Around 70 degrees. While ENERGY STAR advises 82 degrees, that could be unbearable for the majority of families. The majority of people sleep better when their bedroom is chilly, so that’s why the National Sleep Foundation suggests 60–67 degrees. But that might be too cool, based on your PJ and blanket preference.

We suggest following an equivalent test over a week, setting your thermostat higher and slowly lowering it to locate the ideal temperature for your house. On cool nights, you might learn keeping windows open at night and running a ceiling fan is a better solution than using the AC.

More Approaches to Use Less Energy During Hot Weather

There are added methods you can save money on cooling bills throughout the summer.

  1. Install an energy-efficient cooling system. Central air conditioners only last about 12–15 years and become less efficient as they become older. A new air conditioner can keep your residence more comfortable while keeping utility expenses small.
  2. Schedule annual air conditioner maintenance. Regular air conditioner maintenance keeps your unit running properly and may help it work more efficiently. It might also help prolong its life expectancy, since it helps professionals to discover small troubles before they create a major meltdown.
  3. Replace air filters regularly. Follow manufacturer instructions for switching your air filter. A clogged filter can result in your system short cycling, or run too much, and drive up your electrical.
  4. Inspect attic insulation levels. Nearly 90% of houses in the U.S. don’t have proper insulation, according to the Insulation Institute. Many southern climates need 13–14” of attic insulation, while northern climates need 16–18”.
  5. Have your ductwork examined. Ductwork that has loosened over time can seep cold air into your attic, walls or crawl space. This can lead to major comfort problems in your home, including hot and cold spots.
  6. Seal cracks, doors and windows. Keep humid air in its place by closing holes. You can also caulk or weather strip doors to trap more cool air within your home.

Use Less Energy During Hot Weather with Central Air LLC

If you are looking to use less energy during warm weather, our Central Air LLC pros can help. Get in touch with us at 203-357-5913 or contact us online for additional information about our energy-saving cooling options.